Questions & Answers

The following questions are thoughts I have been asked. E-mail david@paher.org with other questions not listed below.

BRIEFLY TELL ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

My wife and I married on March 29, 1999. I have been a Christian since October 1988. I was raised in the conservative church (called non-institutionalism) in Kentucky. Through many discussions, studies, prayers, and much work I aligned myself with the mainline brethren. With the Lord’s help, I found a wonderful mate, studied hard at the East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions, and have served many opportunities in the Lord’s vineyard.

My wife, formerly Philena Johnson, became a Christian on February 3, 1991. She is the daughter of Phil Johnson of Carlsbad, New Mexico and the granddaughter of Paul Eddy of Woodsfield, Ohio, both of whom are Gospel Preachers. She is a great asset to me because of her experience and history in ministry. In December 2003, our daughter was born. She brings much joy to life! Another daughter was born in August 2011. We have two babies who await us in Heaven. Baby Grace died on October 12, 2000, and David Elijah was still-born on May 19, 2009.

BRIEFLY TELL ABOUT YOUR EDUCATION

In 1996, I graduated with honors from Berea (Kentucky) Community High. After working for two years, I pursued formal training in the ministry at the East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions and graduated in 2000. Since then, I have worked in the ministry while pursuing a Bachelor in Ministry as my schedule will allow.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH?

Compassion and family are two words that portray me. Compassion involves forbearance and patience, and I am resolved to study with any willing candidate. Secondly, I love my family and I love the Lord; success is balancing the two. As a preacher, this is extremely difficult, but must be done (1 Tim. 5:8). I feel I do it well.

In ministry, my strengths are preaching, teaching, people-skills and personal home Bible Studies. I enjoy making friendly contacts and setting up studies. I have developed a plan for conducting personal home Bible Studies, which has proven to be very successful in the past.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE PAST 5 YEARS?

There are two major successes, the first of which is my marriage. My wife and I continue to add anniversaries to our relationship. There have been obstacles but also many victories.

Second, I continue to learn and grow as a preacher. Studying God's word, reading good literature and attending lectureships are what keep me strong in the Lord and current with people.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF PREACHING? WHAT TYPE OF SERMONS DO YOU PREFER TO GIVE?

Textual and topical sermons are beneficial, but my preference in sermon preparation and delivery is expository. This method allows students to stay in a given text, which listeners appreciate.  It is important to be practical in challenging learners to think about faithful service. I usually begin with a question to engage the audience, and I conclude with a review of helpful points for daily living.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PREACHER IN WORKING WITH AN ELDERSHIP AND CONGREGATION?

Elders and preachers are equal in God’s sight (Gal. 3:28) but have different roles. It is my view that a preacher is the “informer” while an eldership is the “enforcer.” That being said, preachers have the responsibility to preach the word (2 Tim. 4:2) and report to the congregation what the Bible teaches. Elders have the responsibility to oversee and to tend the flock (1 Pet. 5:2-3). Preachers and elders work together to keep the local congregation fed and pure.

Preachers can play an indespensible role in pastoring a flock of God's people. Though he is not a pastor himself, in most cases, he can lead and guide an eldership as to a congregation's needs. Under the authority of biblical overseers, he can help establish vision and communicate goals to the church.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PREACHER'S WIFE IN THE CONGREGATION?

A preacher’s wife, as a faithful Christian, is like any other mature member of the congregation with the responsibilities and obligations. She should plug herself into the various programs of the church. This view is my expectation.

However as a preacher’s wife, there are added expectations of her that “comes with the territory.” My wife loves to make herself available to teaching children in the regular Bible school and during VBS. The only exceptions have been during and immediately following pregnancy.

WHAT CHARACTERISTICS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR CHURCH GROWTH?

There are five key ingredients to a successful church’s growth. First, prayer is the foundation. It is the absolute “most” we can do. All subsequent elements stand on prayer. Second, “as the pulpit goes, so goes the flock.” This statement is true, and it is pertinent that we lovingly speak the truth (Eph. 4:15). Third, unless we try to reach out, we can never grow congregationally. Ideally, each one needs to strive to reach one. Fourth, a strong visitation program shows the love of Christ from person to person. Fifth, the Lord only allows benevolent churches to grow. If we are gracious with others, the Lord will be gracious with us.

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO REACH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR CHRIST?

As the saying goes, no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. Unless a congregation shows God’s love to the vicinity, they will not want to participatie in God’s church.

The love of Jesus has to be evident in our attitude and demeanor. And, we have to be “salty” enough to create thirst in others without turning people off to Christ. The gospel sells itself, but others have to see it work before they give it a try. We will reach the lost when they want what we have.

WHAT IS THE REQUISITE IDENTITY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST?

The identity of Christ’s church is a body that strives for restoration to the New Testament pattern. One needs to carefully consider not making set “core” beliefs before being recognized as the New Testament church.

It is my understanding that when a congregation strives to shed their denominational tendencies and when they practice what they have set in their mind to do then they may consider themselves as the church that Jesus established. Conversely, when any congregation ceases to practice any doctrine according to the pattern, then they cease being the Lord’s church and no longer have the identity of his church.

WHEN DOES ONE BECOME A CHRISTIAN, A CHILD OF GOD?

One becomes a Christian when they contact the blood of Christ. This occurs at baptism, which interrogates the conscience (1 Pet. 3:21 ASV) with a positive answer that one has fully repented of a lifestyle of sin.